Kinzou Shima is a supporting character who appears in the Kyoto Saga arc of the Blue Exorcist story. He is the fourth son of the Shima family, a prestigious lineage of Buddhist exorcists serving the Kyoto branch of the True Cross Order. At twenty years old, Kinzou is a middle-ranking exorcist, holding the second-class Buddhist title, and has earned both the Knight and Aria meisters, indicating his proficiency in both physical combat and sacred chanting. He is a young monk at the Shima Temple and an active member of the Second Patrol Squad at the Kyoto Branch Office.

Kinzou is characterized by his striking blonde hair and a highly emotional, combustible personality. He is known for being quick to anger and prone to fighting, possessing a rough and impulsive temperament that often leads him to act before thinking. Despite being perceived by those around him as unintelligent, this assessment is misleading. He possesses a surprisingly good memory, which serves him well in learning and reciting the complex chants required for his duties as an Aria. His approach to life is loud and unapologetically brash, contrasting sharply with the more reserved nature of some of his siblings. Kinzou also harbors a strong sense of family loyalty, even though he frequently engages in loud arguments and physical fights with his younger brother, Renzou.

Within the story of the Kyoto Saga, Kinzou serves as a member of the local force that interacts with the protagonists sent from the main True Cross Academy. His primary motivation stems from his role as a defender of his home territory and his family's honor. He takes his duties as an exorcist seriously and is confident in his abilities, often believing he can handle problems on his own. His devotion to the Myoda Sect, the Buddhist order his family serves, is deeply ingrained. Beyond his official duties, a notable personal motivation is his passion for music, as he serves as both the lead vocalist and shamisen player for a band often referred to as "Nyuumetsu Strider" or "Nirvana Strider". The band has a niche but dedicated following, and its concerts are notably attended by members of the Myoda Sect, turning the events into lively social gatherings.

Key relationships define his role in the Kyoto branch. He has a close yet rivalrous bond with his older brother, Juuzou Shima, who is the leader of the First Patrol Squad and the family heir. While Juuzou often calls Kinzou foolish, there is an underlying familial respect. His relationship with his younger brother, Renzou, is even more volatile, typically involving a great deal of shouting and sudden, impulsive violence, such as surprise kicks. He also maintains the traditional rivalry between the Shima and Houjou families, leading to frequent friction with members like Mamushi Houjou. Throughout the Kyoto Saga, while he does not undergo a profound personal transformation, his development is shown through his steadfast bravery in battle, such as during the operation against the Impure King, where he expresses a desire to go down like a man and boldly declares his intent to destroy his enemies with "heat sterilization".

In terms of notable abilities, Kinzou is a trained Buddhist exorcist. His qualification as a Knight confirms his capability in direct melee combat. More distinctively, his title as an Aria Knight highlights his skill in using sutras and incantations, where his excellent memorization comes into play. He is able to effectively combine these disciplines in the field. His proficiency with the shamisen is not merely for entertainment; it is a skill that intertwines with his cultural and spiritual background, making his musical performances an extension of his identity as a monk and exorcist from Kyoto. His combat style is aggressive and filled with self-confidence, reflecting his overall personality as a passionate and combative young man.